(Getty)
Final Score
Real Madrid – 1 – 3 4
Juventus – 1 – 0 1
Real Madrid are once again champions of Europe, and the first team to defend their European title in 25 years. It was an impressive performance for Ronaldo and Co., who shook off a wonder goal from Mandzukic and never eased off the pressure. Their crosses were accurate and effective, setting up close range goals that not even the great Buffon could stop.
It started with Ronaldo, who scored on a low shot early in the first half. Juventus would respond less than ten minutes later, as Mandzukic flicked a ball over the hands of Navas for the equalizer. The first half remained tense, and with the score level at halftime, it appeared there was little to separate between these teams.
But Real Madrid came out in the final 45 minutes determined to rip the title from the Lady’s grasp. Casemiro scored from distance midway through the second half, and Juventus were unable to morph into an attacking squad. The more they pressed, the more the ball moved in Madrid’s favor. Real Madrid are the kings of Europe, a title they’ve rightfully earned.
Check out the full highlights below:
GOAL: Asensio (90′)
RED CARD: Cuadrado (84′)
GOAL: Ronaldo (64′)
GOAL: Casemiro (61′)
GOAL: Mandzukic (27′)
GOAL: Ronaldo (20′)
7′
7′ CHANCE!!!! @Miralem_Pjanic smashes in a low volley, Navas saves again! #UCLFinal
Juventus the aggressor early.
Pre-match
Amazing atmosphere in Cardiff! 🐉 Follow the @ChampionsLeague final at the Principality Stadium here: t.co/0BeamEYMjo 🏆 #UCLfinal
Pre-match
No surprise here.
The biggest prize in European soccer is on the line Saturday, as two of the biggest clubs on the continent compete not only for a trophy, but for history.
Juventus, unbeaten in Champions League play this season, are seeking European validation after years of domestic dominance. It’s a third straight double for the Old Lady this year, but a win in Cardiff would give Juve their first treble in club history. Juventus have lost more Champions League finals (four) than any team in the history of the contest, but a win would make them just the eighth club ever to win a European treble.
Real Madrid are seeking a 12th Champions League title, but there is so much more at stake for Los Blancos. A win for Madrid would mean a successful Champions League title defense, something that has not been accomplished in the modern era. AC Milan won back-to-back European Cups 25 years ago, but no team has defended their title in the modern format.
These teams have met once in the final before, when Real Madrid scored a 1-0 victory in Amsterdam. Zinedine Zidane started for Juventus that day, but it was Predrag Mijatović that scored the lone goal to give the crown to Madrid. More recently it was Juventus getting the upper hand on the Spaniards, knocking off Madrid 3-2 on aggregate in the 2014-15 Champions League semifinals.
With big names on both sides, one lineup decision could swing the outcome of the match. Zinedine Zidane wants Gareth Bale in the XI in front of his home crowd, but the Welsh superstar hasn’t appeared for the team since April 23rd. The likely replacement is Isco, who rose from unknown to stalwart as Bale’s successor. Isco has scored five goals in his last eight games for the club, and his ascension could mean the end for Bale at Madrid.
Kickoff is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. Eastern and can be seen on Fox. Keep this page refreshed for the latest updates, including video of every goal.